How many days after flowering should I start digging up potatoes for storage?

Potatoes grow underground, with only the above-ground portion—the stems and leaves—visible. Is it possible to tell whether the potato itself has grown by its "tops"? Before flowering, it devotes all its energy to growing shoots, and only when budding begins do small tubers form.

As soon as the flowers fall, potatoes begin to grow vigorously. To try young, unripe potatoes, it's important not to miss the opportunity—this ripening phase lasts only two or three weeks.

New potatoes are a true delicacy. Besides their delicate flavor, they contain numerous vitamins, microelements, bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and fiber. Of course, some of these nutrients are lost after cooking. The skin is very thin at this stage and easily damaged. It is usually scraped off with a knife rather than peeled.

What are the signs of potato ripening?

Potato ripening is determined by the condition of the tops. When the bush has reached its maximum size, the flowers have fallen off about two weeks ago, the stems have begun to fall apart slightly, and the first yellow leaves have appeared, it's time for a test harvest. External signs are very indicative. If the roots are too small, it's worth waiting another week or two until they reach the desired size, however long it takes.

What are the methods for harvesting potatoes?

The most popular method is simple digging with a shovel. This method involves digging up the entire bush. New potatoes are usually not stored for future use, so the volumes required are proportionate.

There's a way to dig up potatoes without damaging the immature crop. Use a shovel to make a hole near the plant, not far from the tubers. Using your hand, carefully break off and remove the largest potatoes, leaving the smaller ones to grow. Add soil to the roots, water the plant, and then earth up the roots, compacting them lightly.

When can you dig up new potatoes?

If you dig up potatoes too early, the roots will be too small and watery. As they ripen, starch accumulates, making them denser.

The period for digging up young potatoes depends on the planting dates, which, in turn, depend on the weather, how much the soil has warmed up, and what the weather was like.

Varieties with different ripening periods have different times for their "young" period. Early-ripening varieties are ready for the first harvest 35-40 days after planting, while late-ripening varieties are ready for the first harvest 50-60 days later.

In central Russia, particularly in the Moscow region, the climate is quite harsh. Potato planting time is late April to the first half of May. This is assuming frosts have passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently. Accordingly, the potatoes will grow for about two months, and harvesting can begin: early varieties by mid-July, late varieties closer to August.

Rules for harvesting and storing crops

The strongest plants are selected for digging. This isn't a sign of ripeness, but the tubers will be larger. Young potatoes are harvested only for eating. They don't store well; they quickly become flabby, darken, and soft, so don't stockpile them for future use. However, a small amount can be loosely packaged (for example, in paper) and stored in a cool place—a refrigerator or vegetable cellar. Select firm tubers without damage or dark spots for storage.

Reviews

Young potatoes are always popular among gardeners. This stage of ripeness is especially prized for its distinctive flavor and increased content of valuable nutrients.

"Here in Siberia, the season for new potatoes varies. It depends heavily on the weather—2-3 weeks after flowering, if it's cold outside, the tubers can remain very small and watery for a long time. Regardless, every year we eagerly await the first potato harvest. It's time to head to the dacha in late July or early August."

"You can start digging potatoes soon after flowering; the tubers are still small, but very tasty. Potatoes grow very quickly—every few days, the skin becomes rougher, and the potatoes become larger and firmer. Early varieties are especially convenient—regular varieties don't have time to bloom, but this one may already have finished blooming. Harvesting can begin in June or July."